UAE reveals 2025–2026 academic calendar for all universities

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has announced a unified academic calendar for the 2025–2026 academic year across all public and private higher education institutions in the UAE, following the approval of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.

The move introduces significant changes to the structure and timing of end-of-term holidays, aiming to create a more consistent and student-focused academic environment. The new calendar aligns with the national “Year of Community” initiative, promoting family cohesion and ensuring a balanced study-life schedule for university students.

The academic year will commence on August 25, 2025 and conclude on July 3, 2026, with major holidays now synchronized with the school calendar. Students will benefit from a four-week winter break from December 8, 2025, to January 4, 2026 and a two-week spring break from March 16 to 29, 2026.

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that the changes reflect the Ministry’s vision of an integrated university environment that supports both academic excellence and community engagement.

“This step reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the higher education system by aligning academic policies with community development goals and student needs”, he said.

While all UAE-based higher education institutions are required to follow the new academic year’s start and end dates, exceptions will be allowed for international universities operating under foreign academic calendars. Institutions also retain the flexibility to modify holiday dates by up to one week, provided the total duration remains unchanged.

MoHESR described the reform as a strategic milestone in advancing the UAE’s higher education landscape, reinforcing its focus on student well-being, academic quality and national development.